What Causes Intermittent Transmission Failure in Citroen C-Quatre?
4 Answers
Intermittent transmission failure in Citroen C-Quatre may result from the following causes: 1. Poor contact: Loose grounding wire of the temperature sensor causes abnormal low-temperature readings in data streams. Low-temperature air has higher density, increasing fuel injection pulse width and resulting in over-rich air-fuel mixture. 2. Sensor short circuit: Data streams show abnormal high-temperature readings. High-temperature air has lower density, reducing fuel injection pulse width and causing over-lean air-fuel mixture. Higher intake air temperature normally requires richer mixture, but sensor circuit break or poor grounding leads to over-lean mixture and starting difficulties. 3. Sensor short circuit: Engine coolant temperature sensor short circuit shows over 100°C in data streams, creating over-lean mixture that prevents starting; sensor circuit break or poor grounding connection displays below -30°C readings, causing over-rich mixture and black smoke from exhaust.
Recently, my Citroen C4's transmission has been acting up occasionally, which is giving me a headache. This is usually caused by electronic system issues, such as the control unit ECU malfunctioning at specific temperatures, or sensor problems, like the speed sensor sending incorrect signals from time to time. It could also be related to the oil circuit—dirty or contaminated transmission fluid can cause the hydraulic system to operate poorly. I once experienced a situation where the car would jerk when accelerating on a slope, and after inspection, it turned out to be a loose wiring connector causing intermittent faults due to poor contact. There's also the issue of solenoid valve malfunctions—if that little valve doesn't move smoothly, it can make the transmission act erratically. I recommend not delaying and getting a computer diagnostic at a repair shop as soon as possible to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. If you frequently drive in congested areas, such problems are more likely to arise.
As someone who frequently works on cars, I believe the intermittent issues with the Citroen C4's transmission may be closely related to wear and tear of internal mechanical components. For example, if the clutch plates are worn thin or the synchronizer malfunctions, gear shifting can become unstable. The hydraulic system is also a critical point—insufficient oil pressure or blocked oil passages can cause abnormal performance under high load. On the electronic side, aging sensors like temperature sensors may sometimes work and sometimes fail, leading to intermittent problems. Don’t forget to check the transmission fluid level and quality, as contamination or low fluid levels can directly trigger these issues. I recommend first using an OBD scanner to check for error codes. If you're handy, you can inspect cable connections for reliability. If you're confident in your skills, you might try changing the fluid, but for complex repairs, it's best to consult a professional—safety first.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and intermittent transmission issues like those in the Citroën C4 are common in older vehicles with high mileage. The causes are usually straightforward - for instance, transmission fluid that hasn't been changed for too long loses viscosity, affecting lubrication and causing intermittent hesitation. Or electronic components like the control module might act up due to voltage fluctuations, temporarily losing power before recovering. Another factor is driving habits - frequent hard acceleration makes internal components more prone to slipping under specific conditions. I recommend having technicians check fluids and electronic control systems during routine maintenance to prevent major problems down the road.
